By Our Correspondent
Dr Jamiu Folarin, a journalist and researcher with Rockcity 101.9 F.M. and 14 others across West Africa, have been shortlisted for the maiden edition of the Excellence in Journalism Awards.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) announced the shortlisting for the inaugural awards on its website.
CJID selected the 15 journalists from a pool of 388 entries, it received from seven countries across West Africa.
“We will unveil the winners at our 10th-anniversary dinner and awards ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27 in Abuja.
“It is part of the CJID’s Media and Development Conference (MDC) 2024 that started on Monday,” it stated.
TheNewsZenith reports that the conference brings together media professionals, innovators and thought leaders.
They will discuss the transformative role of media and technology in advancing democracy and development in Africa.
The finalists include: Kunle Adebajo of Humangle (Nigeria), Bettina Nwelih of News Central (Nigeria), Kwetey Nartey of Joy News (Ghana), Jemilat Nasiru of The Cable (Nigeria) and Yero Bah of Nigeria Health Watch (The Gambia/Nigeria) and Olayide Soaga of Prime Progress (Nigeria).
Others are Manasseh-Azure-Awuni, Adwoa Adobea Owusu and Evans Aziamor-Mensah of The Fourth Estate (Ghana), Manasseh Mbachii of Premium Times (Nigeria), Juliet Buna of African Women in Media (Nigeria), Godwin Asediba of Media General (Ghana), Kabir Yusuf of Premium Times (Nigeria), and Prosper Ishaya of Social Voices (Nigeria).
CJID announced this in Abuja following the release of the nominees’ list by the Chairperson of the panel of judges, Ajibola Amzat, Editor of the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ).
Other members of the panel are Stella Din-Jacob, Director of News, TVC; Adeolu Adekola, Project Manager, Centre for Investigative Journalism, London and Kent Mensah, the Chief Ghana Correspondent of The Africa Report.
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It launched the award in 2024. This is a reflection of its commitment to supporting and celebrating excellent journalism that addresses critical issues across Africa.
The Centre recognises journalists whose impactful work fosters accountability, transparency and development.
The categories are “Best Fact-Check”; “Best Health Reporting” and “Best Climate Change Reporting” in West Africa.
Other categories include “Best Solutions Journalism”; “Best Community Reporting”; “Best Reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)” and “Best Campus Journalist and Best Reporting on Social Accountability”.
According to a CJID statement, the panel of judges is chaired by Ajibola Amzat, the Editor of CCIJ.
Other panel members are Stella Din-Jacob – Director of News, TVC; Adeolu Adekola – Project Manager, Centre for Investigative Journalism, London; and Kent Mensah – the Chief Ghana Correspondent, The Africa Report.
“We are excited to recognize the exceptional contributions of these journalists to the African media landscape.
“Their work embodies the principles of integrity, innovation and impact that CJID seeks to promote,” Amzat said.
“CJID congratulates all shortlisted nominees for their dedication to telling important African stories. We look forward to celebrating their achievements later this month,” he added.
Investigative Report Nominated
A report on the multi-million naira fraud involving funds for the Federal Government’s flood control projects in Ogun State exposes the mismanagement and diversion of public funds meant for crucial flood mitigation efforts.
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TheNewsZenith reports that the investigative report revealed gaps in accountability and transparency among government officials and contractors.
It brought irregularities to light and the need for stricter oversight, effective monitoring mechanisms and enforcement of anti-corruption policies within public projects.
The report has propped up public awareness by educating thousands of listeners about how to monitor government projects and hold officials accountable.
It has fostered a culture of advocacy for transparency and accountability among the beneficiaries and Rockcity FM listeners.
The investigation also empowered citizens to use tools like the GovSpend portal to track government spending and demand accountability.
About Jamiu Folarin
Dr Folarin describes himself as a “journalist by calling and researcher by choice with investigation as the umbilical cord”.
Currently a broadcaster at Rockcity 101.9 FM, he has earned recognition for his impactful investigative reports.
As a Ph.D. holder in Mass Communication, Folarin lectures at the Mass Communication Department of Crescent University.
He has many awards to his credit. Among them are Radio Reporter of the Year, 2nd Runners-up (2014) and Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
Folarin was a 2020 Dubawa Research Fact-checking Fellow. He was also one of the pioneer African fellows of the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN).
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